can you use expired diabetic test strips

The use of outdated diabetes test strips is generally discouraged. Such strips may compromise the accuracy of test results due to the degradation of their chemical components, potentially leading to incorrect assessments of blood glucose levels.

Initially, a minor effect could be a decrease in the sensitivity of the strips, which might result in underreported readings. Subsequently, improper storage of the strips, such as exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity, could expedite the chemical degradation, further compromising the test outcomes. Lastly, employing expired strips carries inherent safety hazards, such as the risk of erroneous medical decisions that could negatively impact health.

Hence, it is advisable to routinely inspect the expiration dates of the test strips and adhere to the storage instructions provided by the manufacturer. Should the strips be past their expiration, they should be promptly replaced with new ones. When utilizing any medical devices, it is imperative to follow the directives of a physician to ensure the correctness and safety of their use.